Apple is set to release the iOS 18.5 update next week, with a focus on user experience enhancements, bug fixes, and new features. The company recently debuted the release candidate (RC) version of iOS 18.5 on May 6, 2025, and it is expected to roll out to all users around May 14, 2025.
The iOS 18.5 update brings several notable changes, including a new "Pride Harmony" wallpaper that aligns with this year's Pride Apple Watch Band. This vibrant wallpaper features bold stripes that shift as users move their devices, continuing Apple's tradition of celebrating Pride Month through its software updates.
One of the significant improvements in the iOS 18.5 RC is the updated Mail app, which now allows users to easily manage contact photos. Previously, users had to navigate through the Settings app to disable contact photos in Mail, but the new update simplifies this process. Users can now toggle the "Show Contact Photos" option directly within the Mail app, enhancing the overall user experience.
Additionally, the iOS 18.5 update introduces a new parental alert feature. This feature alerts parents if a child attempts to bypass the Screen Time passcode, providing an extra layer of security for families. This enhancement reflects Apple's ongoing commitment to child safety and parental control.
In the Settings app, users will notice a revamped AppleCare information section, which now includes a banner displaying the AppleCare logo and coverage details. This change aims to make it easier for users to access important information about their AppleCare plans.
While the iOS 18.5 RC brings these enhancements, some anticipated features have been delayed. Notably, the on-device screen awareness Siri feature has been postponed indefinitely, meaning users will not see new AI functionalities in this update.
From the previous iOS releases, Apple has added several new languages, including Chinese, French, German, Italian, Brazilian Portuguese, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, and localized English for Singapore and India. Furthermore, the update includes improvements to the Image Playground with the introduction of the Sketch style, alongside existing Animation and Illustration options.
The Genmoji icon on the keyboard has also been updated, now labeled simply as "Genmoji." Additionally, the Visual Intelligence feature has been integrated into the Action Button for iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16e users, allowing them to take advantage of advanced functionalities.
Apple has also made some technical improvements in the update. Broadcast extensions now have a higher per-process memory limit, enabling higher quality content capture and streaming, provided system resources allow it. Security fixes have also been implemented, addressing issues where some enterprise apps might not launch correctly on iOS 18 or later.
One of the key fixes included in iOS 18.5 addresses an issue where the Apple Vision Pro app would launch with a black screen if downloaded from the App Store on iOS 18.4 beta 1. Users experiencing this issue can upgrade to iOS 18.4 beta 2 or newer to resolve it.
Moreover, the update brings support for carrier-provided satellite features on all iPhone 13 models, although this service differs from the Globalstar-powered satellite connectivity available on newer iPhone models. This feature is part of Apple's efforts to enhance connectivity options for users.
As for the Apple TV app, the update simplifies purchases on third-party devices, allowing users to buy content using their iPhones seamlessly. This change is expected to streamline the user experience when accessing content across different platforms.
Despite these enhancements, the iOS 18.5 RC does not introduce any major new features, as Apple appears to be focusing on refining existing functionalities ahead of the upcoming iOS 19 announcement. The company is expected to showcase more significant updates at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June.
For those interested in trying out the iOS 18.5 RC, it is advisable to install it on a secondary device rather than a primary one, as the RC may contain bugs and could affect battery life. Users can expect adjustments before the final version is rolled out to the public.
In summary, the iOS 18.5 update is shaping up to be a significant improvement for iPhone users, focusing on enhancing user experience, security, and accessibility. With the release of the RC, Apple is closing in on the final version, which is anticipated to be available to all users next week.
